A CHEF yesterday attempted to cook the “perfect balti” in a bid to win Welsh Curry House of Year 2008.

Harunur Rahman – owner and head chef at the Asha Balti House in Llanrwst – was up against restaurants in Llanelli and Swansea.

It was diners’ votes that got the Asha Balti through to the judging stages, but yesterday he had to impress some of Wales’ most discerning curry critics.

They were last year’s winner Shadek Ali, owner of the Sopna Restaurant near Caernarfon, cookery tutor Uma Sims, and curry expert and writer Prof Peter Stead.

Mr Rahman cooked his trademark balti and a bhuna dish.

“The balti is based on the traditional dish, but I use a different recipe and my own spices – it is a definite favourite with people that come to the restaurant,” he said.

The judges seemed to agree, with Prof Stead describing the food as a “real delight”.

He added: “I’ve been eating curry since going to university 47 years ago and I have to say that this Balti dish is very good.”

The judges will announce the winner tomorrow.

Berwyn Rowlands, from the Festivals Company, who run the competition, said: “The response from the Welsh public has been spectacular with just over 6,000 votes registered for their favourite Indian restaurants.”